Challenges Faced by Bariatric Patients in Pressure Injury Prevention

A specialized pressure relieving support surface solution effectively improves caregivers' workflow efficiency, accuracy, and handling injury risks and pressure injury prevention, comfort, and outcome for bariatric patients.

Bariatric patients, due to their increased body weight and associated health complications, are at a heightened risk of developing pressure injuries. In 2022, 43% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight, and 16% were living with obesity.¹ This rising prevalence highlights the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by bariatric patients. Morbidly obese patients are three times more likely to develop pressure injuries than healthy individuals.²

Several factors contribute to the increased risk of pressure injuries in bariatric patients:³  

Friction occurs when the skin rubs against another surface, such as bedding or clothing. This can damage the outer layer of skin, making it more susceptible to pressure injuries. Shear force, on the other hand, happens when the skin moves in one direction while the underlying bone moves in another, causing distortion of the skin and underlying tissues. 

An increased tissue weight exerts additional load on dependent tissues and causes vascular occlusion and tissue deformation. Shear and friction are often increased when individuals with bariatric needs tend to drag their heels and sacrum while getting out of bed.

A poor microclimate around the skin, characterized by excessive moisture and heat, can further elevate the risk of pressure injuries. Bariatric patients often have large skin folds that trap moisture and heat, creating an environment conducive to skin maceration, inflammation, and breakdown. Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline 2019 strongly advises proper skin microclimate management to reduce pressure injury risks.

Standard hospital beds are often too small to accommodate bariatric patients comfortably. This inadequacy can lead to increased pressure points and discomfort, further elevating the risk of pressure injuries. The lack of appropriate supportive equipment and adequate resources interferes with implementing preventative measures for bariatric care4. Beds designed specifically for bariatric patients, which provide adequate support and pressure relieving, are essential in mitigating these risks.

Caring for bariatric patients presents significant challenges for healthcare providers. The physical effort required to reposition and transfer bariatric patients can lead to musculoskeletal injuries among caregivers. Additionally, the need for specialized training and equipment adds complexity to the care process5. Ensuring the safety and well-being of both patients and caregivers requires dedicated resources and protocols.

Here are the key benefits it provides:

 Figure1：Special air cell design and settings ensure that bariatric patients do not bottom out while seated.

For more information on how specialized support surfaces can help in pressure injury prevention and enhance patient care, visit Wellell.

Pro-care Auto Bariatric Pro-care Auto Bariatric - Support Surfaces - Pressure Area Care | Wellell 

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